· Complex Family
Dysfunction: I didn’t realize the complexity of it until studying for this series: 1) multiple baby momma under one
roof – or at least in the same vicinity; 2) generational trickery and deceit;
3) favoritism; 4) jealousy; 5) revenge; 6) hatred/murder; 7) liars. The catalyst for the rivalry between Joseph
and his brothers came from their mothers.
Jacob’s two wives were biological sisters (Rachael and Leah) and his two
concubines were the maids of each sister.
Jacob was in love with Rachael but tolerated Leah because he was tricked into marrying her, however, Rachael
couldn’t have children while Leah was a baby making machine. In those times it was a disgrace for a woman
not to be able to have children, but especially sons. Rachael remained childless for years and
during that entire time, Leah and her children taunted her. It was childish, immature, selfish,
disrespectful and mean. When she finally did get pregnant it was late in Joseph’s
life, so he favored Rachael’s children doubly, they were Rachael’s children and
he had them late in life. The rivalry
between Leah’s children was like an infectious disease among the children and
they didn’t even fully understand why but Jacob’s open favoritism made matters worse
for everyone.
· Protect Yourself
at All Times: Just as Joseph’s brothers
envied him because of his special gift of dreams and the bond with their father, you can bet there are people within your family (or close to you) that
envy you, especially if you are a born again believer, successful (or they
perceive that you are successful), etc.
It’s hard to believe but it’s real.
Get your head out of the proverbial sand and smell the coffee. If you are successful in the eyes of a hater,
you are a reflection of everything they are not and every time they see or hear you it’s like being sucker punched except they are punching
themselves. Take it from Joseph who was
a naïve 17 year old kid, guard your dreams and be careful who you share them
with until it is time your world to be introduced to them. Lastly, it can be a challenge for close
friends and family to view you as successful because they are familiar with
your flaws and failures. Sometimes they will hold you hostage to your past if
you let them.
· Hurting People
Hurt People: Jacob’s baby’s momma’s
were: Leah and her sons were: Rueben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun; Rachel and her sons were: Joseph and Benjamin; Bilhah, Rachel’s maid whose sons were: Dan and Naphtali; and Zilpah, Leah’s maid whose sons were:
Gad and Asher. Jacob was hurt by Leah and
Rachel’s father because he tricked him into marrying Leah (read Genesis 24 for
the story). Jacob’s hurt was passed onto
Leah who passed on the hurt to her children, who passed on the hurt to
Joseph. This is why forgiveness is so
important otherwise it can create an atmosphere for generational hatred.
· Family
Sabbatical/Isolation: Whether
voluntarily or involuntarily separating from one’s family can lead to unhealthy
isolation. This is one of the components
of a physical abuser. They slowly get
you away from family and friends through control and manipulation so they can
ultimately control everything about you.
The danger of isolation is that it can lead to depression, despair,
insanity, frustration, anger, blame, hopelessness, suicidal and/or homicidal
thoughts all of which are negative.
Without asking him, I know Joseph had to make choices most likely daily
not to give into the thoughts above or those that were similar. His positive choices helped him maintain his
sanity
o I reailze this may sound like an oxymoron but depending
on your situation a family sabbatical(s) may absolutely be necessary. This is especially difficult for someone who
is family oriented like me. If you make the decision to
go this route you have to be prepared for the possible fall out. For example:
you’re ready to come off sabbatical but your family/friends resent you
for taking it in the first place and become resentful, hostile and/or ignore your
attempts to reconnect.
· Self-Discipline:
Given the amount of flexibility Joseph had (limited as it was) he had the
opportunity to take advantage of his position as the Manager of Potiphar’s
household affairs, mistreat others, give in to Mrs. Potiphar sexual advances, etc. but as young as he was (late teens) he was such an honorable man that Potiphar didn’t micromanage or
second guess him. This leads me to
believe that he already had those traits when he arrived in Egypt and that he
cultivated them and used them to his advantage.
· Adjusting to His
Climate: I believe it was solely the favor of
God that helped Joseph to adapt to his new surroundings so quickly. That adjustment helped him to be content with
his state of being. We have no idea of
how desperately he wanted to be freed until we hear him try to coax the head
baker and cup bearer to hook him up once they get out of prison. When that didn’t work we have no evidence of
him sinking into a depressed stupor, but I would imagine the temptation to do so was great, yet I am confident he hunkered down
and said “yet will I trust”. Understand
he didn’t settle, he opted to be content with the state until change
occurred. There is a huge difference
· Unending Trust
in God: I am always amazed at the hand
holding that is needed for 21st Century Believers who think they
need someone to babysit them for their entire journey. Now don’t get me wrong, when a new babe in
Christ first becomes a Believer it makes sense to me, but an active spirit
filled Believer who has been saved for more than 12 months that still needs someone to follow up with them and hold their hand is a bit much.
There are far too many resources at our fingertips to need someone to hold our hands through our journey like bible applications for smart devices, social media (Instagram,
FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, a barrage of websites, etc.); physical church
buildings almost on every corner (at least in Oakland, CA on International Blvd. LOL), old school
bibles, the Library, analog telephones and people, lots of people who are also
committed and faithful Believers. Joseph
had absolutely nothing. Not one person
who believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was surrounded by pagan
worshipers who despised (hated) Hebrews and knew nothing of their God. Hows this for you, he grew up being hated by his brothers and then when he was kidnapped he was surrounded by people who hated him until the tables turned and he became second in command of all of Egypt!!!
Joseph’s
entire experience was a set up and the catalyst for the manifestation of the
promise that God gave to Abraham his Great-Grandfather that he would make him
(Abraham) a great nation. He was talking
about the Jews, his chosen people, who go without numbering today. The story of their journey is recapped in
Acts the seventh chapter.
The beginning ....
In His Excellent Service
Tania Not Tanya
The beginning ....
In His Excellent Service
Tania Not Tanya
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